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The 5 Best Shopping Malls in Manchester

The 5 Best Shopping Malls in Manchester

How We Picked 

Location – We considered how accessible the mall is for their shoppers.
Variety of Stores – We also checked the stores inside the mall. The more varied the shops are, the better it would be for you.
Customer Service – The way that their staff members treat customers will have an impact on the overall shopping experience.
Operating Hours – The longer that the mall is open, the more time you will have to shop there.

1. Manchester Arndale

Manchester Arndale' Homepage

Services: Shopping, Dining

Website: https://manchesterarndale.com/

Address: Manchester Arndale, Manchester M4 3AQ, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 833 9851

Operating Hours: Sunday: 11:30 AM–5:30 PM

Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.3/5
Facebook Reviews Score 3.4/5
Total Reviews3.85/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Location 5/5
Variety of Stores5/5
Customer Service5/5
Operating Hours4/5

Pros

  • Biggest shopping mall
  • Wide variety of stores
  • Good for family and friends
  • Hosts events

Cons

  • Inconsistent operating hours

Since Manchester Arndale is the biggest shopping mall in the area, you can expect a wide variety of shops that you can visit here. In fact, there are over 200 shopping destinations that you can explore in Manchester alone!

We think that Manchester Arndale will be a perfect place for family or a group of friends. Since there are many stores available, we are sure that each individual will find the right items for them.

Some of the most popular stores here are Apple, Burberry, Dr Martens, Lego, and more. In case you want to have an overview of all their shops, you may check their informative website.

We also appreciate that they alphabetically organized each store in their directory. This makes it less overwhelming for customers when they check it. 

Furthermore, we appreciate that they hold events here. This means that you will have other things to do aside from shopping. 

When it comes to food, you will also have no issues finding something that you like here. In fact, we love how they have a map that indicates all of the restaurants for your convenience!.

The only downside to the Manchester Arndale is that they can be inconsistent with their operating hours, especially during holidays. In case you are planning on shopping early or late, it would be best to call them first.

2. Urban Exchange

Urban Exchange' Homepage

Services: Shopping, Dining, Gym

Website: https://www.urbanexchange.co.uk/

Address: 100 Great Ancoats St, Manchester M4 6DE, United Kingdom

Contact Details: 0113 222 1234 

Operating Hours: Sunday: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM

Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.3/5
Facebook Reviews Score 3.3/5
Total Reviews3.75/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Location 5/5
Variety of Stores5/5
Customer Service5/5
Operating Hours5/5

Pros

  • Accessible location
  • Free parking for the first 90-minutes
  • Has a gym

Cons

  • Slim parking spaces

If you are looking for an accessible mall, then Urban Exchange might be a good fit for you. We like that they are strategically located at Great Ancoats Street where they are convenient for public transportation.

As for those who will bring their own vehicle, we are happy to share that the parking is free for the first 90 minutes. However, be warned that there have been reports that the parking space here is narrow and quite difficult to navigate.

If you have a big car, it may be best to take public transportation instead to prevent any hassle. After all, it is only seven minutes away from the Piccadilly Rail Station.

When it comes to their store, they also have a decent number of stores here. However, most of their customers come here to access their gym.

By far, the most popular destination here is PureGym, a well-loved fitness centre that is open as early as 4:00 am on certain days.

Furthermore, there are also reliable trainers and machines on board – this is why we are not surprised that many frequent this gym.

According to some customers, Urban Exchange is a perfect venue to work out, eat breakfast, and buy any supplies before starting their day.  In contrast, some shoppers drop by once a week to do their groceries here. 

3. Stretford Mall

Stretford Mall' Homepage

Services: Retail, Food, Drinks

Website: https://stretfordtowncentre.co.uk/

Address: Chester Rd, Stretford, Manchester M32 9BD, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 865 1243

Operating Hours: Sunday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 3.4/5
Facebook Reviews Score 2.4/5
Total Reviews2.9/5
Score Consistency 3/5
Location 5/5
Variety of Stores4/5
Customer Service5/5
Operating Hours5/5

Pros

  • Quiet mall
  • Good customer service
  • Offers a downloadable map of retailers and restaurants

Cons

  • Dated facilities

Stretford Mall is perfect for those who are looking for a peaceful and quiet mall where you can stroll in privacy. Unlike most malls in this list, they are not as busy.

Despite this, there are still many shops that you can choose from. Some of their popular retailers are Boots, Aldi, Clarks, Halifax, and more.

You will also find popular food establishments here, such as Greggs, Costa Coffee, Food Hall, The Hive, and more. We give them plus points for having a downloadable map where shoppers can find a complete list of stores and where to find them. 

When it comes to events, you will also get a lot of activities that you can enjoy at Stretford Mall. We appreciate that people may refer to their informative website for the schedule and other relevant information. 

Aside from their stores, restaurants, and events, what sets the shopping mall from others are their people. Here, the shop owners and the staff share a sense of community

Everyone is polite and helpful. This is great for shoppers who are looking for items that they are not familiar with and would need a lot of assistance. 

However, since the establishment is dated, you can expect wear and tear on certain areas of the mall. For instance, we have received complaints that some of the cubicles in the restroom do not have locks. 

4. Afflecks

Afflecks' Homepage

Services: Shopping

Website: https://afflecks.com/

Address: 52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PW, United Kingdom

Contact Details:  +44 161 839 0718

Operating Hours: Sunday: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Monday to Saturday: 10:30 AM–6:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.6/5
Facebook Reviews Score 4.7/5
Total Reviews4.65/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Location 5/5
Variety of Stores5/5
Customer Service4/5
Operating Hours5/5

Pros

  • Established in 1982
  • Hosts for local retailers
  • Accessible location
  • Wide range of sellers

Cons

  • Limited parking spots
  • Inconsistent stalls

Afflecks have a long history with the city of Manchester. Since they were founded in 1982, this has been the destination for shoppers who are looking for local retailers.

We like that they provide a space for Mancunians to safely sell their items. With this, there is a sense of community and camaraderie whenever you shop here.

Furthermore, since it is located at the heart of the Northern Quarter, you will have no issues accessing this place. Unfortunately, free parking slots may not be easy to find here, especially if you plan to shop during peak hours.

This is why we recommend taking public transportation instead. It is only a minute walk away from the Unicorn (Stop CA).

Although the place is relatively small compared to other malls in this area, there are a wide variety of shops here. They have over 60 stalls that range from fashion boutiques to tattoo artists. 

If you want to shop for art pieces, then we are sure that you will find something here. Just keep in mind that the stalls here change now and then.

With this, we suggest buying something immediately when you find something that you truly like. There is no guarantee that you will see the same stall on your next visit. 

Lastly, we like that they have an online store. Just log into their website and you will find various merchandise that you can have delivered to your place.

5. Manchester Fort Shopping Park

Manchester Fort Shopping Park' Homepage

Services: Shopping, Dining

Website: https://www.manchesterfort.co.uk/

Address: The Fort Cheetham Hill Rd, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M8 8EP, United Kingdom

Operating Hours: Sunday: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.4/5
Facebook Reviews Score 4/5
Total Reviews4.2/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Location 5/5
Variety of Stores4/5
Customer Service4/5
Operating Hours5/5

Pros

  • Accessible location
  • Free parking
  • Organised store directory

Cons

  • Issues with parking slots

Manchester Fort Shopping Park is another accessible shopping mall. Since it is located at Cheetham Hill Road, you will only be a four-minute walk away from the bus stop at Elizabeth Street.

If you ask us, it would be better to take public transportation to this mall as there are a lot of issues with the parking spot. According to customers, the parking spaces have narrow lanes and tiny spaces.

Some even mentioned that there were cars without blue badges in the disabled parking spaces. This is unfortunate as those with actual disabilities are unable to access the slots intended for them.

However, other customers mentioned that they are okay with the issues in the parking spaces here since it is free. If you are willing to take the risk then you can maximise this perk for Manchester Fort Shopping Park customers.

When it comes to the shops here, you will be pleased that they have popular retailers such as Argos, M&S Simply Food, TK Maxx, and more.

We also like that they have restaurants where you and your family or friends can enjoy quick yet delicious meals. They have KFC, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Greggs, and more.

In case you want to see all of their stores and restaurants, you may do so easily through their website. We appreciate that the establishments were arranged alphabetically for easy browsing. 

FAQs about Shopping Malls in Manchester

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